I like Gordon Beckham’s professionalism and athletic talent, but don’t like his swing. He has a giant hitch, and his swing is too long. Does he have two strikes against him every time he steps up to the plate until he modifies his mechanics? — Mitch Tobin, Park Ridge
Mitch, I agree with your observation in regards to his swing. One scout who has followed Beckham since the Arizona Fall League in 2008 pointed this out and remained unconvinced of Beckham’s long-term success during his ascent last summer.
I’m not sure he’ll modify his mechanics too much, but pitch selection was a bigger issue that he’s improved on recently.
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Has Gordon Beckham’s stance been widened (a la Dave Kingman, shudder!) or not? Not that this by itself is his main problem, but it raises the obvious question of WHY? — Southside Cliffy, Chicago
Welcome back, Cliffy. Beckham’s stance was widened to eliminate the unnecessary movement in other areas. By spreading out, it reduced his movements to merely swinging at the ball.
